New supported living community aims to tackle homelessness

A pioneering supported living community designed to help people break the cycle of homelessness has been launched by Social Bite in partnership with The Salvation Army and South Lanarkshire Council. 

Harriet Gardens in Rutherglen, near Glasgow will have 15 modular nest houses and a community hub with shared cooking facilities, spaces for group activities, therapeutic support, and areas for social connection. The site is provided by South Lanarkshire Council, the accommodation by Social Bite and the specialist, round-the-clock support by The Salvation Army. 
 

Speaking at the launch event on Wednesday April 8, Social Bite co-founder Josh Littlejohn MBE said: “Harriet Gardens represents what is possible when we bring together housing, support and community in the right way. This is not just about providing a roof over someone’s head – it’s about creating a place where people feel valued, supported and able to rebuild their lives. We are incredibly proud to see this vision come to life in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and The Salvation Army, and I hope that this will be the second village of many.”

Karen Good, Contract Manager for The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services, said: “Harriet Gardens is a brilliant opportunity to provide consistent, person-centred support that helps people feel valued and able move forward at their own pace. By working alongside Social Bite and South Lanarkshire Council, we aim to create a safe and supportive place where people are encouraged to take steps towards independent living.”

South Lanarkshire Council Head of Housing Services, Sharon Egan, said: “From the outset, Social Bite were a key partner in helping us turn that ambition into a reality, and I want to recognise the commitment, creativity and persistence they have shown throughout the journey and in particular thank Social Bite for the significant investment toward responding to and resolving homelessness in South Lanarkshire. As the project progressed, we were able through commissioning to bring on board a long‑term support partner in the Salvation Army. Their experience and values are central to the model here, combining high‑quality accommodation with tailored, trauma‑informed support that focuses on stability, recovery and long‑term outcomes.”